Page 4

(continued from page 3) Jimmy Bailey K4VNM, and Ronnie Hyde, WA4BSY.  During the time of construction and operation of the radio station all General Science students (over 50) studied the Morse Code and some elementary radio theory.  Five students took their FCC examinations to obtain amateur license.  These students were Tim Norris, Archie Martin, Fred Beem, Freddie Claunch, and Billy Bragwell.  At least another seven students have indicated an interest in continuing their studies in this direction also.

    During an Open House conducted at the High School by the Student Council for the parents and friends of students, Mike McCullom, Jimmy Bailey and Tim Norris operated the six meter station demonstrating to those attending the capabilities of the station and explaining some things regarding amateur radio.  Messages to relative and friends of those attending were accepted for transmission via Amateur Nets to the 50 U.S. states and its possessions.

    Mr. Foy Guin, Jr. (W4RLS) was considerable help in conducting the mobile phase of the project.  Communication was established between his home location in Russellville and the top of Spruce Pine Mountain some 17 to 20 miles away by having the transceiver installed in the General Science teacher's automobile.  Further tests of the capabilities of a six meter station mobile were made in a trip to Chattanooga, Tenn.  It was established that with low power and a proper mobile antenna (a Saturn 6 halo) communications could be reliably carried on between stations more than 70 miles apart.  Stations contacted during the mobile tests in the area mentioned were K4MOC, W4DLK, K4BND, K4PND, WA4EOC, K4WWL, K4NMU, K4CRX, WA4FSI.

SUMMARY

    Records of the project show that reliable communications can be established on a regular basis between base points up to 150 miles, and over mountains, and that communications are feasible between portable or mobile stations up to 75 miles apart.  Under certain atmospheric conditions there may be times when the distances can be increased.  For instance, some of the radio stations contacted reported having worked other stations in all the 50 states, Canada and Mexico from locations in north Alabama.  One station in Huntsville reported hearing a station in Norway but was unable to establish two-way communication.

    A department of the Army that works with civilian radio operators through the MARS program has reported that reliable communications cannot be established between stations operating in the frequencies below 50mc during periods of Atomic attact.  Therefore it is vital that further study be made of the capabilities of those frequencies above 50mc on both an amateur and commercial basis.  There has been a noticed decrease in the ability for reliable communication on the lower (3 to 7 mc) bands since the Atomic tests have begun in the Pacific (Since May 1).  With High School students having impressed upon their minds the enjoyment and possibilities that can be obtained from amateur radio this project can only be considered a success.

    All of the equipment that has been donated and purchased for this project with the funds received will be placed in the hands of school authorities to become a permanent part of the teaching equipment of Russellville Senior High School.  It can only be hoped that arrangements can be made in the future for the facilities to be expanded and students constantly challenged with the opportunities in the field of electronics and research that is open before them.

    Appreciation is expressed by myself for all of those who participated in any way in this project.  Especially am I grateful to the American Chemical Society, who got us started, to the Better TV Cable Company, to the Russellville Electric Department, to Mr. Foy Guin, Jr. and to Mr. Bill Robinson (W4WLR) the Head of the High School Science Dept. and to the three Russellville Civic clubs.

/s/ Ernest Clevenger, Jr.
Russellville, Alabama